CountyScore

Edmunds County

South Dakota · SD

#13 in South Dakota
75.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Edmunds County, South Dakota

Top-tier U.S. livability

Edmunds County's composite score of 75.6 ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's most livable counties. The county demonstrates how rural Midwestern communities achieve genuine quality-of-life excellence.

Exceeds South Dakota peers

Edmunds County ranks 75.6, significantly above the state average of 71.3, securing a spot among South Dakota's most livable counties. The county combines rural character with measurable prosperity and stability.

Low taxes and economic stability

Edmunds County features an effective tax rate of 0.866% (Tax Score 77.9) and an outstanding Risk Score of 93.1, reflecting strong economic security. A median household income of $77,266, combined with a Health Score of 76.1, rounds out the county's compelling profile.

Rent costs and income ceiling

Median gross rent of $881/month runs toward the higher end of this group, and the Income Score of 33.8 reflects limited high-wage opportunities. The county offers stability over rapid wealth accumulation.

Perfect for stability-seeking professionals

Edmunds County suits established professionals and families prioritizing low taxes, strong community health, and reliable economic footing. It appeals to those fleeing expensive metros who want to preserve income while enjoying small-town peace and security.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.9Cost79.5SafetyComing SoonHealth76.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.8Risk93.1WaterComing Soon
🏛77.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Edmunds County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Arkansas
75.6
Median income: $63,654
Baca County
Colorado
75.6
Median income: $40,380
Conejos County
Colorado
75.6
Median income: $47,209
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
75.6
Median income: $72,899
Winn Parish
Louisiana
75.6
Median income: $46,368

Deep Dives

Edmunds County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Edmunds County

via TaxByCounty

Edmunds taxes below most U.S. counties

Edmunds County's effective tax rate of 0.866% sits marginally above the U.S. median of 0.84%, placing it slightly above the middle nationally. The median annual tax of $1,417 is nearly 50% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below South Dakota average

Edmunds County's 0.866% effective rate is marginally below South Dakota's 1.094% state average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties. The median tax bill of $1,417 is lower than South Dakota's median of $1,785.

Among the lowest-taxed counties regionally

Edmunds County (0.866%) ranks with Deuel County (0.820%) as among the lowest-taxed counties in the regional group, both undercutting Day, Davison, and Dewey. The $1,417 median tax is very competitive for the area.

Median home: $1,417 yearly in taxes

An Edmunds County homeowner with the median property value of $163,600 pays approximately $1,417 per year in property taxes at the 0.866% rate. That's roughly $118 monthly—one of the more affordable arrangements in this region.

Even low-tax counties can have overassessments

Edmunds County's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee your home is assessed correctly; errors exist at every tax level. Review your assessed value against comparable recent sales, and file an appeal if overvaluation is evident.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edmunds County

via CostByCounty

Edmunds stays near national affordability benchmarks

Edmunds County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly level with South Dakota's 13.8% state average and matches national affordability norms. The $881 median monthly rent is the second-highest in this analysis, but the $77,266 median household income keeps the overall burden proportionally balanced.

Edmunds ranks at South Dakota's affordability center

At 13.7%, Edmunds County's rent-to-income ratio matches South Dakota's state average almost exactly at 13.8%, positioning it as a middle-ground option among the state's housing markets. This consistency suggests Edmunds follows typical state patterns for cost and income.

Edmunds balances higher rents with solid income

Edmunds County's $881 rent is surpassed only by Douglas ($864 is lower actually—but Edmunds at $881 is highest), making it the rental premium of this cohort, yet the $77,266 median income keeps the rent-to-income ratio at a reasonable 13.7%. Douglas County offers lower rent with higher income, a more favorable comparison.

Edmunds residents balance high rents with strong income

Renters dedicate $881 monthly while homeowners invest $853 in ownership costs, with median home values at $163,600. Housing consumes 13.7% of household income, close to state averages and leaving reasonable resources for other priorities.

Edmunds offers solid middle-ground affordability

Edmunds County suits relocators seeking balanced housing costs without seeking the absolute cheapest option—you'll pay more rent but earn competitively. Compare to Deuel for better affordability or Douglas for similar income with slightly lower rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edmunds County

via IncomeByCounty

Edmunds County exceeds US income average

Edmunds County's median household income of $77,266 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $2,511, placing it in the upper income tier nationally. This strong performance for a rural county reflects a stable, diversified employment base and above-average earning opportunities.

Edmunds ranks among South Dakota's strongest

At $77,266, Edmunds County substantially outpaces South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by more than $10,000, ranking it in the state's upper quartile. The county's per capita income of $43,546 notably exceeds the state average of $35,667, indicating strong individual earning power across the population.

Edmunds competes with regional income leaders

Edmunds County's $77,266 median household income ranks second among comparable counties, trailing only Deuel ($79,556) and matching Douglas ($78,125) in earning power. The county outearns all other regional peers by substantial margins, establishing it as an economic stronghold.

Excellent affordability creates wealth opportunity

Edmunds County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, freeing up household resources for long-term savings. The median home value of $163,600 aligns well with median-income earning capacity, supporting sustainable homeownership and equity building.

Edmunds County positioned for financial growth

Edmunds County households combine above-average incomes with notably high per capita earnings, creating ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments. Prioritize maxing retirement contributions, establishing investment accounts, and considering real estate or business ventures to leverage the county's strong economic fundamentals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Edmunds County

via HealthByCounty

Edmunds County residents live longer

Edmunds County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 73 years by 6.1 years, placing residents among America's healthier communities. With 13.9% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of roughly 18%—the county demonstrates strong wellness fundamentals.

Well above South Dakota's health average

At 79.1 years, Edmunds County's life expectancy tops South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by 3.7 years. The county ranks among the state's healthiest and demonstrates solid healthcare delivery across its communities.

Edmunds holds strong regional standing

Edmunds's 79.1-year life expectancy places it among the highest in this county group, exceeded only by Douglas (80.9) and Deuel (79.2). The county's 50 primary care providers per 100K offer better access than Day County (37) or Deuel County (23), supporting preventive care and chronic disease management.

Lowest uninsured rate in the group

Edmunds County's 9.5% uninsured rate is among the lowest in this analysis and well below South Dakota's 11.1% average, indicating robust health insurance coverage. Data on mental health providers is limited, but the county's 50 primary care doctors per 100K provide strong frontline care capacity.

Keep coverage strong year-round

Edmunds's low uninsured rate is a community asset—maintain it by reviewing your insurance annually at healthcare.gov. Contact your health department if you're uninsured or underinsured; local resources can help you find plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edmunds County

via RiskByCounty

Edmunds County among nation's safest

Edmunds County's composite risk score of 6.97 falls far below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, ranking it among America's lowest-risk counties. This "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional protection from major natural hazards.

Second-safest county in South Dakota

Edmunds County ranks second-lowest among South Dakota's 66 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 6.97 composite score surpassed only by Deuel County (6.87). Few South Dakota residents live in counties with comparable hazard protection.

Exceptionally safe in north-central region

Edmunds County's 6.97 risk score makes it one of the safest counties in north-central South Dakota, significantly outperforming Faulk County (7.95) to the south and Day County (27.64) to the east. Only Deuel County matches its low-risk profile.

Wildfire only notable exposure

Wildfire risk at 69.18 is Edmunds County's sole hazard of concern, though still moderate compared to western counties. All other risks—tornado (23.12), flood (8.02), and earthquake (11.61)—fall substantially below state and national averages.

Minimal insurance beyond basics needed

Edmunds County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides robust protection without specialized additions. Maintain basic property maintenance and wildfire-resistant landscaping rather than pursuing premium disaster coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.